Topical Bible: The Raven: Black

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The raven, a bird of notable mention in the Bible, is often associated with themes of desolation, provision, and mystery. Its black plumage and distinctive characteristics have made it a symbol of various spiritual and moral lessons throughout the Scriptures.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The raven first appears in the narrative of Noah's Ark. After the floodwaters began to recede, Noah sent out a raven to see if the waters had abated from the earth. The raven "kept flying back and forth until the waters had dried up from the earth" (Genesis 8:7). This act of sending out the raven is significant, as it symbolizes the search for new beginnings and the end of divine judgment upon the earth.

In the Mosaic Law, the raven is classified among the unclean birds (Leviticus 11:15; Deuteronomy 14:14). This classification underscores the bird's association with desolation and death, as it often feeds on carrion. The raven's role as a scavenger highlights the themes of impurity and the consequences of sin, serving as a reminder of the need for spiritual cleanliness and separation from that which defiles.

Despite its unclean status, the raven is also depicted as an instrument of God's provision. In 1 Kings 17:4-6, God commands ravens to bring bread and meat to the prophet Elijah during a time of drought and famine. "And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook" (1 Kings 17:6). This miraculous provision through an unclean bird illustrates God's sovereignty and ability to use all of creation to fulfill His purposes, emphasizing His care for His servants even in dire circumstances.

The raven is mentioned in the wisdom literature of the Bible as well. In the book of Job, the raven is used to illustrate God's providential care for all creatures: "Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God as they wander about for lack of food?" (Job 38:41). This rhetorical question highlights God's attentiveness to the needs of even the most seemingly insignificant creatures, reinforcing the theme of divine provision and care.

In the New Testament, Jesus refers to the raven in His teachings on trust and reliance on God. In Luke 12:24, He says, "Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn, yet God feeds them. How much more valuable you are than birds!" . Here, the raven serves as a lesson in faith, encouraging believers to trust in God's provision and to prioritize spiritual over material concerns.

Cultural and Theological Implications

The raven's black color has often been associated with mystery and the unknown. In biblical times, black was a color linked to mourning and lamentation, as seen in Lamentations 4:8, where the appearance of those suffering is described as "blacker than soot" . The raven's dark plumage, therefore, can symbolize the somber realities of life, such as sin, judgment, and the need for redemption.

Theologically, the raven's presence in Scripture serves as a multifaceted symbol. It represents God's judgment and the consequences of sin, as well as His mercy and provision. The bird's ability to thrive in desolate environments can be seen as a metaphor for the believer's call to remain faithful and reliant on God, even in times of spiritual drought or trial.

In summary, the raven, with its black feathers and complex symbolism, serves as a powerful reminder of the themes of judgment, provision, and faith throughout the biblical narrative. Its presence in Scripture encourages believers to reflect on God's sovereignty, His care for creation, and the call to trust in His unfailing provision.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Songs 5:11
His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

His Head is as the Most Fine Gold, his Locks as the Clusters of ...
... CHAPTER V. 11. His head is as the most fine gold, his locks as the clusters
of the palm, black as a raven. By the locks covering ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/11 his head is as.htm

Chapter v.
... 10. My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand.11. His head
is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy and black as a raven.11. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter v.htm

Man's Ways Opposite to God's.
... amongst you is called Deucalion, [924] two forms of spirits were sent forth, the
impure namely, and the pure, first the black raven, and then the white dove. ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xvi mans ways opposite to.htm

Whose Image and Superscription?
... and unrest. The raven, that black bird of evil omen, went out from the
ark, and flew homeless over the weltering ocean. The souls ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/whose image and superscription.htm

Christ Pleads his Will
... not be answered. The black raven of despair would croak the dirge of eternal
death on the graves of the godly. The living sons of ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 14 christ pleads his.htm

Visit to Kalli at College
... With hair black as the raven's wing, and eyes sparkling with good-humour, he made
his appearance; and soon showed a desire to do the honours of the College. ...
/.../murray/kalli the esquimaux christian /visit to kalli at college.htm

The Second Difference Between Meditation and Contemplation.
... the parts of his perfect beauty: My beloved is white and ruddy, his head is as the
finest gold, his locks as branches of palm trees, black as a raven, his eyes ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter v the second difference.htm

The Birth of Saint George.
... travelled on till they arrived at the dreary precincts of the Black Forest ... The dismal
croaking of the night raven, the hissing of serpents, the hoarse bellowing ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter one the birth of.htm

September 22 Morning
... His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven."The
head over all things."He is the head of the body, the church. ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/september 22 morning.htm

The Great Flood.
... his sons, Shem, Ham, and Japtheth, and their wives, went into their great black
house, and ... the tops of the mountains were seen, and Noah sent out a raven and a ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter ii the great flood.htm